Farid Nuzha

Farid Elias Nuzha (Syriac: ܦܪܝܕ ܐܠܝܐܣ ܢܙܗܝ, pronounced; 1895 - 1971), also spelled Farid Nazha or Farid Nozha, was an Assyrian nationalist and journalist. Born in Hama to a Syriac Orthodox family in 1895, he immigrated to Argentina due to religious conflicts in his hometown. While in Argentina, he helped establish a cultural club and a newspaper, Syriac University/Assyrian Association, which he subsequently wrote for throughout most of his life and career.

In his writings, Nuzha advocated for the preservation and promotion of Assyrian culture, identity and language. He also maintained a stance on unity within the Assyrian community and emphasized bringing together members of the various Syriac churches. Nuzha opposed the mixing of ethnic identity with religious affiliation and pushed forward an inclusive Assyrian belonging through his community advocacy. He also frequently criticized the clergymen of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Most notably, his criticism of and conflict with Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum led to his excommunication from the church, though it was later reversed.

Nuzha's writings through the Assyrian Association magazine would serve as an inspiration for Assyrian nationalists in the 1950s, including the formation of the Assyrian Democratic Organization. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to both Assyrian nationalism as well as Assyrian journalism, and is celebrated alongside other figures such as Naum Faiq and Freydun Atturaya.